It seems like Nick Kyrgios isn’t getting over Jannik Sinner anytime soon. Fans are starting to wonder, as the Australian player continues to take shot after shot at the Italian. Ever since the news of Sinner’s positive tests broke in March, Kyrgios hasn’t held back in calling out the “unfair treatment”. And he’s not stopping there. Since Sinner accepted WADA’s three-month ban, the Aussie seems to have amped it up a bit. Just when you think he’s done, Kyrgios just keeps the punches rolling. So, what’s got him amped up this time?
According to a tweet by The Tennis Letter on X, Jannik Sinner has been disqualified from the Laureus Awards, losing his nomination for Sportsman of the Year. In the statement, Laureus World Sports Academy Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick noted, “We have followed this case, the decisions of the relevant global bodies and – whilst we note the extenuating circumstances involved – feel that the three-month ban renders the nomination ineligible. Jannik and his team have been informed.” This decision brings more bad news for the Italian. As he is already serving a ban that leaves a stain on his record.
But for Nick Kyrgios, this is another excuse to jump in with his relentless opinion. Under the post he commented, “Well I mean sportsmanship does mean playing by the rules 🤷🏽♂️.” A statement that should come as no surprise considering Kyrgios’ words after Sinner’s ban was first announced. On February 15, he took to X, proclaiming it as a “Sad day for tennis.” Not just that, but he buddied up with veteran Stan Wawrinka, who wrote that he doesn’t believe in a “clean sport anymore.” Kyrgios fully agreed with him.
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If you didn’t know, fresh off his Australian Open triumph, Sinner received a three-month suspension due to an accidental contamination of the banned substance clostebol. Originally, Sinner faced a potential 1-2 year ban. However, he managed to negotiate a settlement with WADA. They accepted his explanation that the substance entered his system through negligence by his physiotherapist. The ban is active from February 9 to May 4. And it conveniently allows him to return just in time for the French Open.
This decision has sparked heated debates among fans and players alike. Many feel the light punishment and favorable timing leaves a ‘sour taste.’ Particularly since as Sinner makes it a point to not miss any Grand Slams. Kyrgios, never one to hold back, seems ready to use this as ammunition in their rivalry.
Nick Kyrgios takes a jab at Sinner amid Alexandre Muller’s frustration.
French tennis pro Alexandre Muller had a night to remember at the Rio Open. Hold up, it’s not for the reasons he would have liked. After defeating Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry in a grueling late-night round of 16 match on February 21, Muller faced an unwelcome frustration. He scored a straight-sets victory (7-5, 7-6(5)) in a tough match. To make matters worse, the match ended close to midnight. However, instead of getting some time off, the Frenchman had to undergo a doping test immediately after.
Clearly annoyed, Muller took to Twitter to vent his feelings, writing, “Doping test when we finish at midnight .. come on .. @atptour.” His post struck a chord with fans who sympathized with his exhaustion after such a demanding match.
And leave it to Nick Kyrgios to stir the pot even further! The Aussie star had to use Muller’s tweet as an opportunity to take another jab Sinner. Kyrgios replied with a cheeky suggestion: “Just say you ‘don’t know’ and that it was completely your teams’ fault if there are steroids in there 😂.”
This was a clear dig at Sinner’s defense last year when he tested positive for the banned substance. Sinner explained the banned substance accidentally entered his system through a spray applied by his physiotherapist. The ITIA ultimately ruled him not guilty, citing “no fault or negligence.”
The rivalry between Kyrgios and Sinner seems to extend far beyond the court. With Kyrgios finding ways to keep the drama alive even during Sinner’s suspension period. While Kyrgios gears up for his return at Indian Wells on March 5, fans are left wondering just how long he’ll keep firing shots at the Italian star. Will this feud ever cool down? Let us know your thoughts!
